Volunteer

I have gained great insight into the strength of human beings by working with victims of domestic abuse. They are truly an inspiration to me.

– a Volunteer

A WORK OF HEART

The opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life is at the heart of the volunteer experience. At Family Shelter Service, we recognize that volunteers are a valuable resource and our best ambassadors. Volunteers make the choice to help. Simply, because they care, volunteers have a far-reaching positive impact on our clients and the community.

Each year our volunteers provide more than 20,000 hours of service to Family Shelter Service. We simply could not provide the life-changing services to victims of domestic abuse and their families without the support and commitment of our volunteers. We hope you’ll join us as we strive to achieve our mission of providing help and hope to those affected by domestic abuse.

IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES (updated 11/29/2016):

New Position: Hotline Assistant: Every month we receive hundreds of calls from police officers who have responded to a domestic violence call in their community. We are looking for Hotline Assistants to take those calls and complete the reports used by our advocates to reach out to victims. Hotline Assistants may also screen incoming hotline calls and either route them to a Hotline worker or answer general questions from callers.

Training Required: Next training takes place in Downers Grove, December 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. with follow-up orientation December 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (check back for future dates)

Requires completion of 48-hour training program which begins January 21. Click Here for more information.

Children’s Program Volunteers: Work with our Children’s Program to provide support to children growing up with domestic violence. We have openings for volunteers to work with our children’s groups or to provide childcare while moms are in group or individual counseling.

Requires completion of 48-hour training program which begins August 13. Click Here for more information or to register.

HOW CAN I HELP?

We know that individual skills and interests vary and that not everyone can volunteer the same amount of time. Therefore, we offer many opportunities with various time commitments.

Direct Service – Work With Clients

Training: In addition to Volunteer Orientation, direct service volunteers must complete a state-mandated 48-hour training course before working with clients. The training covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the cultural contexts of violence in America to addressing legal issues that victims face. Training explores questions such as “Why do people choose to abuse and why don’t victims just leave?” Family Shelter offers training 3 times a year. For more information on our 48-Hour Training click here.

Positions: The following are direct service opportunities at Family Shelter Service (please click here for detailed job descriptions). Please note that not all positions currently have openings, check with the Volunteer Coordinator to find out about current opportunities:

Shelter Supporter

Hotline Volunteer

Court Advocate Volunteer

Children’s Program Volunteer

Job Club Volunteer

Prevention Assistance Volunteer

Speakers Bureau

Non-Direct Service

For volunteers who would like to get started right away, or who do not want to work directly with clients, Family Shelter Service provides non-direct service opportunities. These positions provide support for day-to-day tasks, fundraising, special events, and our resale shops.

Training: The only requirement to begin volunteering in non-direct service roles is to attend Volunteer Orientation. (NOTE: Volunteers who wish to volunteer at Resale Shops do not need to attend the Orientation.)

Positions (please click here for detailed job descriptions). Please note that not all positions currently have openings, check with the Volunteer Coordinator to find out about current opportunities:

Day-to-day support:

Office Support Volunteer

Volunteer Program Assistant

Development Department Assistant

Front Desk Volunteer

Children’s Playroom Organizer

Donation/Storage Room Volunteer

Buildings and Grounds Maintenance

Community Ambassador

Special Events:Family Shelter Service holds several events each year, including a 5K/10K Run, holiday events, and a fundraising gala. We need many, many volunteers to make these events a success:

Special Events Associate

Special Events Committee Member

Second Chance Resale Shops: Our resale stores in Naperville and Westmont provide our clients and their families a place where they can replenish their wardrobes and households with gently used items, free of charge. Our shops also create an additional source of income to help Family Shelter Service support our mission to provide help and hope to victims of domestic violence in DuPage county. To learn more about our resale shops, visit our Resale Shops page.

Resale Shop Volunteer

Resale Transport Associate

Groups and Organizations

We welcome the support of organizations and service groups of all kinds. Corporate groups, faith-based organizations, schools, scout troops and service organizations often volunteer with Family Shelter Service, either for a one-time project or on an ongoing basis. It has been our experience that group efforts are meaningful to the volunteers, our clients, and Family Shelter Service as a whole. Some examples of group projects:

Resale Shops: To volunteer at one of our Resale Shops, all you need to do is call or stop in at the shop most convenient for you. For more information and addresses, visit our Resale Shops page. Please call or email the Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Volunteers are valuable resources to the agency, our staff and our clients. It is our goal that volunteers will be:

trusted and respected as people who make unique contributions;

able to freely discuss problems, ask questions and make suggestions;

given sound guidance and direction by staff and senior volunteers;

provided orientation, training, support, supervision and evaluation.

Violence in the home strikes at the heart of our community – our families. However, with intervention, the cycle of abuse can be broken. Volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic abuse and their children. We hope you will join the volunteer community at Family Shelter Service as we continue to offer help and hope to those affected by domestic violence.